§ 15. Actions and proceedings against the commissioner or the state;
intervention by commissioner in certain actions and proceedings. With
regard to duties or liabilities arising out of this chapter, the state
or the commissioner may be sued in the same manner as a private person.
In any action or proceeding affecting any state project the commissioner
shall be given notice thereof, and he shall take such steps in such
action or proceeding as may be necessary to protect the public interest.
If, in the opinion of the commissioner, it is necessary or desirable in
the public interest, that he intervene in such action or proceeding he
shall be permitted to do so as a matter of right. Whenever in connection
with a state project under any instrument or law, a notice of default in
writing is required to be served upon an authority or municipality
before the institution of any action or proceeding, a copy of such
notice shall be served upon the commissioner at least five days before
commencement of the action or proceeding. No costs shall be awarded
against the commissioner or the state in any such litigation.